A Canadian university will soon be introducing a MBA program for individuals to learn how to manage a hockey franchise.

Former Vancouver Canucks general manager Brian Burke, who is currently the president of hockey operations for the Calgary Flames, is launching the executive MBA, “The Business of Hockey,” at Athabasca University’s satellite campus in Calgary.

The university’s website states that this will be the first time in hockey’s history that “a program is in place to develop the leaders in the boardroom, rather than on the ice.”

According to the course description, the online-based program over two-and-a-half to three years and will be similar to a normal MBA program with the addition of hockey-specific courses such as Hockey Operations, Managing Franchises Strategically, Game Day Management and Marketing, and Integrated Marketing Communications for Hockey.

Classes begin in May 2015 with an initial enrolment limited to 32 people and aimed at opening post-secondary options for “retired players who did not make the NHL.” Tuition for the special program is pegged at $75,000.

Burke came up with the idea of the hockey business MBA with player agent Ritch Winter, reports Sportsnet. The program’s advisory board includes both founding members and individuals such as Montreal Canadiens’ executive vice-president and COO Gilmore and Rogers president of broadcasting Scott Moore are also involved.

An official public announcement of the new MBA program by Athabasca University is expected shortly.

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DH Vancouver Staff

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